Types of Anxiety Disorders
People suffering from anxiety disorders experience difficulty concentrating and can be angry. They also have a higher risk of depression as well as some medical conditions, including thyroid problems.
A few times of anxiety are normal such as before taking an exam or moving to a new home. If anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent it is possible to require treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy (talk therapy) as well as medications.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at times and this is a normal part of responding to physical or psychological stress. For instance, when you notice a car speeding towards you your natural anxiety or fear response helps ensure your safety by activating the "fight or flight" response. Your heart beats faster; blood flows into your muscles and you breathe harder and your body is anxious in the event that you need to run away from danger or fight against an attack. Certain people, however, suffer from excessive worry that is hard to control. This kind of worry can be detrimental if it keeps you from engaging in your normal routine and interferes with relationships such as work or school. People with this problem are known as having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
GAD can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescence or childhood and continues throughout adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected by GAD than men. GAD is often linked to other mental disorders like depression or dysthymia. They are also more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
Psychotherapy and medication are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you understand how to manage your symptoms. Finding a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders could be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective for GAD. It helps you combat the distortions in your mind and uses relaxation techniques.
Medications to treat anxiety are typically used as short-term treatments for anxiety. Different types of antidepressants are effective, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Before starting treatment, talk about these medications with your doctor.
Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social fear, creates extreme anxiety and discomfort when in social situations. It is possible that you're unable to speak to others, or that they look at you. Some people suffering from this disorder are so worried that they avoid social situations. Other people with this disorder suffer from selective mutism, in which they only seem to be terrified of certain situations, like public speaking or eating in front of strangers.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts, images or urges that keep coming back in your head and can cause anxiety or even distress. Compulsions could be actions such as washing or counting, which you feel compelled to ease anxiety or stress brought on by an obsession. Obsessions and compulsions are common in people suffering from OCD. They can consume a significant amount of time and disrupt relationships as well as work activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorders affect men, women and children of all ages. It can be diagnosed as early as the early years of life however, symptoms are more likely to appear in early adulthood or during puberty. The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but it's believed that some areas of the brain isn't as normal. It could be due to an imbalance in the chemical serotonin which controls your mood. There's also a strong genetic component; if you or your family members suffer from OCD, there's about a 25% chance you will experience it.
People suffering from OCD typically believe that their obsessions or compulsive behaviors are not legitimate and that they have no power to stop them. They know that they are wrong and don't enjoy their compulsions, but are compelled to take action to avoid negative events happening or to escape the anxiety that obsessive thought causes.
Although obsessions and compulsions can be difficult to overcome, there are a variety of solutions available to aid. The majority of people will benefit from psychological treatment like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention therapy. In ERP, a therapist gradually exposes you to the things or situations that trigger your obsessional thoughts, like touching dirty objects, and helps you to resist relying in your compulsive behaviors (for instance, washing your hands) to ensure that your anxiety decreases as time passes.
Certain people suffering from OCD might also be prescribed selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase serotonin in the brain. Other forms of psychological treatments include mindfulness-based behavioural therapies and mindfulness therapy, such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or meditation. ACT helps you to accept your obsessive thoughts and takes away their power over you, while meditation and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder (PD) is defined by frequent episodes of intense anxiety or fear that reach an extreme within minutes. Symptoms include as pounding heart, trembling, sweating, nausea and chest discomfort, breathlessness, feelings of impending doom, and the belief that one is suffering from an attack on the heart. These episodes may occur after frightening experiences, or they can occur in a sudden and unexpected manner. People suffering from PD also suffer from constant worry about the possible occurrence of panic attacks in the future. They also avoid situations where they believe they could trigger an episode.
Like other anxiety disorders, PD can cause significant anxiety and affect daily life. Women and men are equally affected, but the condition is more common among people who have been through an event that was traumatic. People with a history of family or anxiety or depression are also more susceptible to it.
Only about https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders out of four people who require treatment are able to receive it despite the fact there are highly effective treatments available. The lack of awareness about anxiety disorders, the limited access to mental healthcare services, and stigma surrounding seeking help are all obstacles to seeking help.
The symptoms of an anxiety disorder frequently resemble symptoms of other diseases like hyperthyroidism or heart diseases. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and evaluation. After ruling out a physical cause, a trained mental health professional can recommend specific treatments.
Although the causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood, it is clear that genetic and environmental factors play a part. Anxiety disorders tend to be passed down through families and typically manifest at a younger stage for those with an anxiety history. Moreover, there are many risk factors that can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder like childhood abuse and smoking. Certain medications can cause anxiety, including benzodiazepines, like diazepam and Valium. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants as well as beta-blockers to treat heart problems can reduce anxiety. You can manage your symptoms by understanding anxiety disorders, and you can lessen the stress in your daily life by learning about treatments.
Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder have persistent and intense fears of being in public, or with other people. They fear that they will be snubbed or rejected and be judged negatively. They usually experience a variety of physical and emotional signs like a fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulties speaking. Their fear and avoidance of social situations could cause issues at work or in relationships. The disorder can cause a variety of psychological disorders like addiction and depression.
This condition is treated with psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps the person learn alternative ways of thinking and behavior to lessen the anxiety. It helps the person recognize that their fears aren't in proportion to the actual danger and that they are in control over the way they behave and react. Another approach that is effective is exposure therapy, also known as cognitively delivered exposure, which involves gradually exposing the person to situations that cause anxiety, with the assistance of an experienced therapist in a secure environment.
The use of medications is also to treat social anxiety disorder, though they are not considered to be a cure. These include antianxiety drugs including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. They are usually employed in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Researchers are working to identify the risk factors and determine the root cause of this condition. Certain genes and environmental elements are known to cause. In addition, some studies have found that people with this disorder have a higher than normal reaction to certain hormones within the body.
It is essential to seek treatment for anxiety disorders as they can have a significant impact on people's lives. A general doctor or mental health professional can diagnose the condition and suggest treatments. It isn't easy to seek assistance, so it could be beneficial to involve a family member or friend in scheduling an appointment, or attending with an organization or peer.
Some anxiety disorders can have a negative effect on your life. They could increase your risk of suffering from depression and eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call a suicide prevention hotline to get help.